Question 1

Why cash-based physical therapy?

Accepted Answer

Cash-based physical therapy can be an excellent option at Headway Physical Therapy for several reasons:

First, it allows for one-on-one care in contrast to corporate clinics who schedule 2-3 patients within a one hour time frame to each therapist. Cash based services often result in more personalized and high-quality care.

Second, since we don't rely on insurance reimbursements, our therapists can focus entirely on the patient's needs without adhering to the constraints imposed by insurance companies which occasionally lead to unethical practices resulting in worse outcomes for patients. The best part is, you can still submit what's called a "super-bill" to your insurance for possible partial or full reimbursement.

Third, cash-based physical therapy often eliminates hidden costs and billing surprises, providing clear and upfront pricing, which can be more cost-effective in the long run. The average physical therapy co-pay is $45. Most insurance-based clinics will encourage their physical therapist to have you come into the clinic 2-3 times regardless if you require that frequency of care or not. The majority of care plans average around 8-12 weeks. On the low end, at 2 times a week for 8 weeks, thats $720. On the high end, thats $1620. Often that care is also given while another patient is being treated at the same time as you, and insurance policies are constraining your therapist on what services they can provide. Here, our evaluations are $130, and our treatment sessions are $100, and even less if you can provide proof of financial hardship. That's 7 total sessions you could have with one-on-one care, for the same price you'd pay with insurance, and with the caveat of having to deal with the split attention of the therapist who are trying to juggle between multiple patients.

At Headway Physical Therapy, we are committed to empowering your path to a higher quality of life, and our cash-based model aligns perfectly with that mission by prioritizing your health and wellness over insurance bureaucracy.

Question 2

Does your clinic treat more than just neck pain, headache, and migraines?

Accepted Answer

If you ask any physical therapist, our least favorite answer in PT school when we would ask a question is "it depends."

However, "it depends" is a very appropriate answer in this situation. Right now, Dr. Casey Roy is the sole Physical Therapist at Headway PT and is specializing in neck pain, headaches, and migraines, but she has a background in treating limb loss, orthopedic conditions, chronic pain, balance, and gait deviations.  On a case-by-case basis, other conditions may be accepted for evaluation and treatment at Headway PT. If you're unsure if a condition you need treatment for can be treated here, please schedule a free 15 minute consult today! Please note, our current facilities are not ADA compliant as they are on the second floor of a building with no elevators. At-home care will potentially be an option in the near future to help those with physical disabilities receive the care they deserve!

At some point, Headway PT may take on more physical therapist who have backgrounds in various clinical settings. However, in perfect alignment with treating chronic pain conditions, we do currently have a PTA (physical therapy assistant), Lauren Newmeyer, who is also a licensed massage therapist and a certified lymphedema therapist. Lymphatic massage is a highly sought after treatment that is provided on site!

Question 3

Your clinic is on the second floor; is it accessible for people with physical disabilities that prevent the use of stairs?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately there are no possible ways to get into the clinic without using stairs. If you have a disability that prevents you from being able to arrive in person at our clinic, please call to discuss other options. Everyone deserves care!

Question 4

How does physical therapy treat migraines and headaches? I thought physical therapist could only treat joint pain and weakness?

Accepted Answer

While the majority of physical therapist specialize in providing traditional orthopedic care for people who've undergone an injury, surgery, or have conditions such as osteoarthritis, physical therapist actually have a wide range of services we can provide.

For a long time, migraines were vastly misunderstood, and in many ways, still are. What we do know is that by therapists utilizing hands-on manual techniques to mobilize soft tissue and joints in the cervical and thoracic spine, integrating care with physical exercise to improve posture, and utilizing relaxation strategies that help make physiological changes to the nervous system, physical therapy has proven to be very effective in reducing the frequency and intensity of migraines.

At our clinic, we also have access to gammaCore Sapphire which is an external vagus nerve stimulation. Use of this device in combination with more traditional physical therapy has shown incredibly promising research over the last 5 years, and is worth a try! Why wait? Book an appointment or free consult with us now to give this new technology a try!

Question 5

I can't afford cash-based services. Do you offer discounts?

Accepted Answer

I believe the community comes first. As much as I (Dr. Casey) would love to provide free care for all, as I believe that health care is a right, not a privilege, I can't do that for everyone if I want to keep my doors open. After your initial evaluation, if cost is a concern, there is a form you can fill out if you believe you may require reduced-cost care.

Starting a new business is hard, and I want to take time to thank and appreciate all those who have supported me so far. For those who do pay full cost, your full payments help allow me to continue offering discounted care as a service which may be helping to provide care to:
- A veteran transitioning out of service
- A new graduate who has not yet established health insurance or secured a job
- A person experiencing domestic abuse and homelessness 
- Someone who has suffered from extreme unexpected medical expenses (i.e. surgery following a car crash or cancer treatment)

Your support means the world to me, and I look forward to many years to come in serving our Triangle community!

Question 6

Do physicians get a "kick-back" for referring me to you?

Accepted Answer

NO!

In fact, it is illegal for providers to receive monetary compensation for referrals. Anytime a provider refers you to us, it's because they believe in the value of the care we provide to our patients.

Question 7

Are you a chain?

Accepted Answer

We are not a chain!

Headway Physical Therapy LLC is rooted in Raleigh - owned by Dr. Casey Roy - a North Carolina native with a vision of creating a clinic with a focus on social responsibility, community integration, and providing the specialized care that Headway PT's patients deserve.

Question 8

Should I still take my pain medication, migraine preventative medication, or migraine rescue medication if I begin physical therapy?

Accepted Answer

YES.

Any medication you are prescribed by your physician, you should always continue to take until they say otherwise. Some medications when stopped abruptly can have serious side-effects. If you believe you are having an adverse reaction to a medication, it's recommended that you be seen at an emergency room to determine appropriateness for continued or discontinued use of any medication.

In most cases, migraine medications in conjunction with physical therapy is the best solution to managing your symptoms and having the best outcomes possible. For some, physical therapy is enough to stave off the initial need for medication all together.

Headway Physical Therapy

Migraine, Headache, Neck Pain, and Vestibular Specialty Clinic

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